Mercedes Benz is always famous for launching its new vehicles. Be it the strategy to either replace them or create a new model of a previous one, there is a constant upheaval in the building of these models. Mercedes-Benz introduces the new 2012 GLK Class model.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLK class did not undergo a lot of changes. This model is the smallest in the fleet of Mercedes collection of SUVs. This model offers ample space with a sporty ride and safe looks. The fuel economy is great at an affordable price.

Though this model might not be the cheapest or having bigger space than its other counterparts, the GLK350 is built impressively and lives up to being an SUV which closely meets the needs of car lovers. With a solid feel and a rather sophisticated ride and safety features, this vehicle is a good bargain for many people.

Performance

The 2012 GLK Class has similar capacities as its predecessor with a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces around 268 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. An automatic transmission ensures you of smooth and powerful acceleration. Fuel economy allows driving 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Interior & Exterior

In the previous models, there was a media interface for an iPod connection which was kept in the glove section, on this model, that has been moved to the center position. When we speak of appearance, the GLK model has several stylish modifications that help improve its looks.

It is often recommended to go ahead with the AMG style line and though it would more, its worth considering. Driving without the use of a key is another feature which marks a new functionality to the vehicle. In the previous model of the GLK diamond, white was introduced as one of the colors and it became a most sought after color.

The 2012 GLK is also available in diamond white color but you’ll have to shell a few extra dollars. All the previous colors like Jade Green and Capri blue are replaced by other catchy colors.

Equipped with a Bluetooth and MP3 player facility and side Airbags it has proper stability and transition control which is most required for the safety purpose. IPod input and the navigational feature is an optional feature with DVD player and radio satellite functionality.

The Competition

There are quite few SUVs of the same class as the GLK worth looking at, they include: the Acura MDX (MSRP $42,930; 16 city / 21 hwy), the BMW X3 (MSRP $36,850; 19 city / 25 hwy), and the Dodge Durango (MSRP $29,195; 16 city / 23 hwy). The MDX is higher priced than the others.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“A quiet, comfortable ride, excellent seats, and impressive cargo space make the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK320 one of the best compact crossovers for long trips.”Car Connection

“The GLK corners confidently with little body lean and accurate steering. Straightline stability is good, but rough roads can cause a bit of vibration that is felt through the steering wheel. The brakes are strong with good pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“Ride comfort is good when cruising, but the low-speed ride is a bit unsettled. Handling is nimble, but the GLK doesn’t shine at its limits. The high seating position gives a good view out. The front seats are firm and well shaped. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“It may not be the roomiest or the cheapest, but the 2012 Mercedes GLK350 is an impressively built compact SUV that should meet the needs and desires of many luxury buyers.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $35,880.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gallons (65 liters)	MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 178.2 in. (452 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.5 in. (275.5 cm)
Height: 66.9 in. (169.9 cm)	Width: 74.3 in. (188.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 3979 lbs (1805 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. (20 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 23.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC V6	Displacement: 3498 Liter cc
Horsepower: 268 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2000-5000 rpm	Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1587 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:GLK350 4Matic AWD

MSRP: $37,900; MPG: 16 city / 21 hwy

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is described to be an Affordable Sports Car. The Korean manufacturer has struggled a bit in this class in recent years, with many critics seeing it as being outclassed by some of its rivals, such as the Infiniti G37 coupe.

Drivers who expected the Genesis to feel like a true sports car because of its coupe styling have been a little disappointed with the 2012 model. However, Hyundai has substantially upgraded the base engine for the 2013 model year.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $24,250.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gallons (65L)	MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 182.3 in. (463 cm)	Wheel Base: 111.0 in. (281.9 cm)
Height: 54.5 in. (138.4 cm)	Width: 73.4 in. (186.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 3362 lbs (1525 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 10.0 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.0 L 4 Cylinder Twin Turbo DOHC	Compression Ratio: 9.0: 1
Horsepower: 274 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 275 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

Available Trims & Engine

Option:R Spec 2.0L M/T	MSRP: $26,500; MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy
Option:Premium 2.0L Auto	MSRP: $28,750; MPG: 20 city / 31 hwy
Option:R-Spec 3.8L V6 M/T	MSRP: $28,750; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy
Option:Grand Touring 3.8L V6 Auto	MSRP: $32,000; MPG: 18 city / 28 hwy
Option:Track 3.8L V6 Auto	MSRP: $33,000; MPG: 18 city / 28 hwy

Engine & Performance

There is now a choice of either a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit producing 274 horsepower or a more powerful, 3.8-liter V6, which brings 348 horsepower. This larger engine is capable of propelling the Genesis from rest to 60 mph in six seconds, but it no longer has the advantage over the base engine in 2012.

Exterior

Hyundai is considered to have this aspect of the Genesis Coupe right, with comments often being heard to the effect that it is reminiscent of the Infiniti G37 or even the Nissan GT-R. The styling is sleek and smooth, with a sharpness to draw interest from a sporting point of view, but not so much that the car looks as though it’s trying to hard to be something it isn’t.

Hyundai has decided against a “classic” look, instead going all out for modernity in the car’s design, and this bold decision has been quite well received by reviewers and drivers alike.

Interior

The inside of the Genesis does not wow, with a number of drivers reporting their disappointment by the car’s cheap-looking finish. Compared with the sedan version of the Genesis, there are several areas where corners seem to have been cut, such as in the uneven quality of the stitching on the seats.

The front seats are comfortable, but the rear does not have enough support for all passengers. Standard equipment levels are about average for this class, with nice touches like Bluetooth, and audio control buttons on the steering wheel. Its 10 cu ft of trunk space is also average, though much less than the 16 cu ft of the Dodge Challenger.

Safety

The 2013 Genesis has not received comprehensive crash testing from either the federal government or insurers. However, in the few government testing which has been carried out, the car performs well: it scored a full five stars out of five in rollover testing. Safety equipment is about par for this class, with anti-lock brakes and six airbags. One feature worth noting is that the Coupe has considerably better visibility to the rear than some of its classmates, although the back window’s slope does make it susceptible to glare and reflection from the sun.

Reliability

As a new model, long-term reliability for the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is still uncertain, although most previous Hyundai’s have been solid without being top of their class in this respect. The quality itself has been received favorable remarks from testers, with the reassuring solidity of the car on the road being something that was pleasing in the 2012 model and should remain so this time around.

Hyundai includes its standard warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the engine and gearbox, which is better cover than for some competing models.

Competition

The Genesis Coupe may not have the same appeal as the Ford Mustang (MSRP $22,200; 19 city / 29 hwy) or the Chevrolet Camaro (MSRP $23,280; 17 city / 28 hwy), it will, however, hold its own, price wise, against the Infiniti G37 coupe (MSRP $37,800; 19 city / 27 hwy).

Overall Rating
82 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2013 Genesis Coupe’s mission is performance, but its cabin offers much more comfort than its low coupe profile and boy-racer exhaust note might suggest.”Car Connection

“The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe receives a mild styling refresh, with a more aggressive front fascia and hood, a new LED taillight design and new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Sharp handling; spirited performance; livable ride quality; sporty cabin design; strong four-cylinder fuel economy; good value…Cramped rear seat; lackluster sound system quality.”Edmunds

The year is just in its first quarter but BMW has already unveiled another driving machine for the future, the 2013 BMW M6.

The BMW M6 is available in coupe and convertible which is good news for BMW enthusiasts who always want to have these options.

Exterior

The M6 Coupe and Convertible feature exquisitely dynamic lines that impose a sense of athleticism innate in the M series. The body design accurately displays the power that the car can deliver.

The M6 Convertible uses a supreme-quality soft top that is constructed using the distinctive “fin” architecture. The M6 Coupe comes with an astonishingly contoured carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof.

Performance

Its performance is attributed to its 4.4 L V8 engine that comes with the M Twin Power Turbo technology and these added features:

• High Precision Direct Petrol Injection
• Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology
• VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control
• Cross-bank exhaust manifold

Equipped with these features, the M6 delivers 560 horsepower at 6,000 to 7,000 RPM. The maximum engine speed can be reached at 7,200 RPM. It delivers a torque of 501 lbs-ft flat between 1,500 and 5,750 RPM.

All in all, the improved M6 engine provides an engine output that is 10% higher and a maximum torque that is 30% higher than its forerunner.

The 2013 M6 features 7-speed Drivelogic-equipped Double Clutch Transmission, Low Speed Assistance, optimized launch control, and automatic gear selection. The Active M differentials transfer power to the rear wheels for optimum traction delivery. This way, the driver is guaranteed directional stability during acceleration from corners and lane switching.

Aside from handling precision, the M6 delivers optimum stopping power. It is made possible with the 400 mm front, and 396mm rear carbon-ceramic disc brakes.

Having looked at the most important details, it is no doubt that the 2013 BMW M6 is more than just the combination of good looks and excellent performance.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (80 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 17 city / 30 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 192.8 in. (489.8 cm)	Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (265.1 cm)
Height: 54 in. (137.4 cm)	Width: 75.5 in. (191.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 4243 lbs (1925 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA

Performance

Engine: 8 Cylinder	Displacement: 4395 cc
Horsepower: 560 HP	Max RPM: 6000-7000 RPM
Torque: 501 lb-ft @ 1500-5750 rpm	Transmission: 7-Speed M Double Clutch
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds	Maximum Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)

The 2012 AC 378 GT Zagato made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show as part of the supercar classics. This new addition to the world of grand tourer cars has been in the developing stages for more than a decade.

It is no doubt that GT Zagato earned a place in the top spot of high performance cars.

The company truly brought this car to a whole new engineering concept which combines British prowess and the power of an American muscle into one car. Thus, the birth of the AC 378 Zagato.

Performance

Armed with 434 horsepower, this car will bring the speed in the lives of future owners and racing enthusiasts.

The GT Zagato earned a huge audience when it was presented in the Geneva Motor Show in 2009. Since then it has been in production until this day. Zagato’s vision for this car is a recipe of aerodynamics, lightness and simplicity.

The car has a curb weight of 3229 pounds with its 6.2 liter V8 engine. An all-American engine that gives that much needed power and precision. The engine of the AC 378 Zagato gives it an unrestricted top speed of 185 miles per hour. This car truly ups the ante when it comes to high performance and there is no doubt about it.

The GT Zagato is also produced in manual transmission that is available both in left hand drive and right hand drive function. This way the company can cater to the UK and German market who received the debut of this car with open arms.

History

The amazing history and concept of this car is introduced to everyone just by its name. The 2012 AC 378 GT Zagato is designed by world renowned car designer Zagato, it has 378 cubic inch capacity in its engine and it is able to give an ultimate performance with its Grand Touring efficiency.

It is an Italian car that brings the combination of ingenious functions to a single car. The 378 GT Zagato will surely fill your need for speed for years to come.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe

Base Price: £ 89,990

Performance

Engine: GM V8	Displacement: 6.2 Liter
Horsepower: 434 HP	Max RPM: NA
Torque: 430 lb-ft @ 6600 rpm	Transmission: Manual
0-60 mph: 4 seconds	Maximum Speed: 185 mph (298 km/h)

The 2013 Lexus GS Hybrid was not able to get the favor of car owners because it has been reportedly placed near the end of the list.

Although it has significant improvement compared to its forerunner in 2011, it will probably remain at the end of your to-buy list because of its price. There is a lot to be said about how Lexus takes seriously giving every product they produce a luxurious feel, the GS Hybrid is no different.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Luxury Hybrid Sedan	Base Price: $58,950.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gallons (66 liters)	MPG: 29 city / 34 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 190.7 in. (484.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm)
Height: 57.3 in. (145.5 cm)	Width: 72.4 in. (184 cm)
Curb Weight: 4190 lbs (1865 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.5 in. (13.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 3.5L V6 Atkinson DOHC Hybrid	Compression Ratio: 13.0: 1
Horsepower: 338 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 254 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm	Transmission: ECVT
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds	Maximum Speed: 138 mph (222 km/h)

Engine

The 2013 GS Hybrid is equipped with a V6 3.5 liter engine that delivers 338 horsepower and 277 lbs/ft of torque. This is combined with a 6 speed automatic transmission with a manual paddle shift control.

Car buyers can choose between an all wheel drive and a rear wheel drive model. Thanks to two electric motors for the additional muscle that the new GD Hybrid brings.

Performance

As far as power is concerned, the new GS Hybrid is above reproach. In its class, the GS Hybrid is actually one of the most fuel efficient. Car owners will probably love the idea of the engine being powerful and fuel efficient at the same time. However, there is a pit where the new GS falls and that is the brakes.

Most people who drove the car did not like the regenerative brakes. Also, its continuously variable transmission is not as responsive compared to the CVT of the GS 350. Another thing we noticed was that the GS does not have enough agility to manage twisty roads.

Straight-line acceleration is good for the GS Hybrid which can run from a standstill to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. It has a fuel economy rating of 28/19 mpg highway/city for its rear wheel drive model. The fuel efficiency rating for the all wheel drive model is 26/19 mpg highway city.

Exterior

The fine lines of the GS Hybrid are enough to let lookers know that it is indeed a luxury vehicle. It definitely looks classier that other entry level luxury cars from Lexus.

Interior

The cabin of the GS Hybrid is no doubt luxurious and truly is comfortable. That is the kind of feel that you can expect from a luxury car. Soft grade leather is used for the upholstery that is further beautified by bamboo trim. The trunk space for the new GS Hybrid was made bigger than the outgoing model from 2011. The only drawback when it comes to the interior is the multimedia controller. The controls require more attention and are not as intuitive compared to the controls of other cars.

Safety

Since the new GS Hybrid is set for 2013, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is yet to crash test it. Based on the available information, the new GS Hybrid has 10 airbags and anti lock brakes. Optionally, car buyers can avail the lane departure, pre-collision and blind spot monitoring systems. Buyers can also have the night vision system for improved night time visibility.

Reliability

Lexus is still yet to announce the warranty coverage for the new GS Hybrid. It is safe to assume though that it can inherit the same coverage provided for its forerunner. These are the 4-year standard warranty and the 6-year warranty for the powertrain. Hybrid components are covered separately with an 8-year warranty. The 4-year roadside assistance from Lexus may also be provided.

Pros

The new GS Hybrid provides power like a V8 and fuel efficiency like a V6. It has more headroom, enhanced steering and a sturdier chassis.

Cons

The batteries take up a lot of cargo space.

Key Points

The price aside, the GS Hybrid is a good buy. But if you are not after cutting edge hybrid car features, there are good alternatives to the 2013 Lexus GS Hybrid.

Overall Rating
82 out of 100

What others say:

“The GS 450h is the hybrid companion to Lexus’ new GS 350 sport sedan. As with the previous generation, the new hybrid blends V-6 and electric power to the rear wheels for improvements to the GS’ EPA-rated fuel economy numbers, with some mild changes applied to its exterior and cabin to distinguish it from gas-powered models.”Car Connection

“V8 power with V6 fuel economy; improved steering; stiffer chassis; sporty seating; more headroom. Expect batteries to consume a good chunk of the new GS hybrid’s trunk space.”Edmunds